Winter is not quite over yet! And with the constant rain here in Australia, the cool weather may be sticking around for a little longer than usual.
The same lightweight moisturiser that your skin loved during the summer might not provide enough protection during the winter months. As the temperatures drop, your skin is exposed to further external irritants that can cause visible redness, irritation, premature aging, and even breakouts.
In addition, dry air, indoor heaters, scarves, and face masks can all absorb moisture from your skin, wrecking its natural protective barrier.
Now, this doesn't mean that you have to plan an entire overhaul of your skincare just yet. First, determine how your skin adapts to the weather and notice where it may need a bit of extra help. Then adjust your products accordingly.
To ensure that your skin is well protected during the cooler season, you may want to think about either swapping your summer moisturiser for a thicker and more hydrating moisturiser or consider adding a face oil to your skincare routine.
If you are new to winter skincare, here are a few helpful tip:
Step 1: Take a gentler approach to cleansing
The foaming and bubbly cleansers you use during the summertime will not do your face any favours during the winter. While these types of cleaners work great to remove dirt and oil, they often contain sulfates that can dry your face rather than moisturise it. Instead, consider using a microfibre face towel which only requires warm water to gently remove any impurities and makeup from the skin.
If you like to cleanse, use gentle cleansing creams, balms, and oils that will cleanse your skin without disrupting its natural barrier.
Step 2: Incorporate gentle exfoliation
Harsh winter weather can cause your skin to become dull during colder months, which means that your winter skincare routine may benefit from a bit of gentle exfoliation. A gentle exfoliator will remove the dead skin cells that accumulate from the dry winter air without drying out your skin. Additionally, exfoliating regularly will help your skincare products absorb better, providing you with the bonus of added hydration. A gentle exfoliator will also be a good option if you have sensitive skin that can be irritated easily.
Step 3: Add a face oil to your winter routine
No matter your skin type, it's essential to moisturise your skin—especially during colder months. Our skin produces fewer natural oils during winter than it does in the summer, leading to dry skin, patches, and flaking. Adding a face oil to your routine can help lock in the hydration from your moisturiser all day long.
Alglow face oil is a great addition to your skincare routine. It is high in essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9) that protect and nourish the skin. It can balance, rejuvenate and moisturise the skin while gently repairing damage through regenerating cells. It absorbs quickly and deeply, while feeding the skin with vital nutrients including pure vitamin E and vitamin A from rosehip oil.
Face oil is the ultimate luxury treat for winter skin and will leave it both smoother and softer
Step 4: Wear sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen during the winter may seem a bit pointless but even if you’re not experiencing sunny days or spending time directly under the sun’s rays, you’re still exposed to the winter sun daily, which can be just as strong. Applying sunscreen right after you apply your moisturiser and face oil will keep your skin protected from the sun and UV rays and ward off premature signs of aging.
Step 5: Focus on layering
Much like you wear a jacket to protect yourself from the harsh winter wind, your skin will require a few more layers of protection in the wintertime. Layering your skincare allows you to address multiple skin concerns while protecting your skin from over drying and irritation. After you've added a few essential products to your skincare regimen, begin layering them from lightest to heaviest. Watery toners should always be applied first, whereas serums and moisturisers come second. Face oil would follow moisturisers and always apply sunscreen last (before makeup). Whether you have oily skin, combination skin, or dry winter skin, it's important to keep it hydrated during the dry months.
Changing your skincare routine with the seasons is essential for maintaining your skin's health and vibrant glow. By tweaking your daily regimen to fit your skin's unique needs, you can limit any dryness, redness, and/or irritation the season may cause. When swapping out one ingredient for another, allow a few days of application before determining its effectiveness.
Lots of love,
Alg.Skn